If you’ve been following the trends of the automotive industry, you’ve probably noticed electric vehicles becoming more and more common on the road. Below are the three types of chargers used by electric vehicles.
Level 1 Charging
Many electric vehicle owners will do the bulk of their charging at home. Often, owners will plug their vehicle into a regular home outlet using the 120-volt adaptor that is supplied with most new electric vehicles, this is called Level 1 charging. While the charging speed is slow (oftentimes more than 8 hours for a full charge), it can be fine for electric vehicle owners who do less driving. Canadian Electrical Code stipulates that 120-volt receptacles intended for this use be installed on a dedicated circuit, specifically intended and identified for this purpose.
Level 2 Charging
For many electric vehicle owners, a faster charging system is important for their day-to-day life. A Level 2 electric vehicle charging system uses a 240-volt circuit, and depending on the electric vehicle, could give you a full charge in 3-4 hours.
Level 2 electric vehicle charging systems are also commonly found in public places, where a car will usually only be charging for a couple of hours. Level 2 chargers work on a 240-volt circuit, like the type used for common household dryers.
Level 3 – “Superchargers”
Although they are not common, level 3 chargers are also available on the market. While they are costly to purchase and require approximately 80 amps of electricity (which is typically not available in most residential dwellings), they can deliver a full charge in as little as 45 minutes. For anybody interested in level 3 charging, they should start with an assessment from a qualified individual to determine if an electrical upgrade will be required from the local electrical supply authority.
Electric Vehicle Charging Installation
Electric vehicle chargers should be installed by qualified personnel in accordance with electrical code requirements. Also, be sure to find out if you qualify for any government or electrical supply authority rebates in your area. It should also be noted that in some cases, the installation of an electric vehicle charging management system will be required.
ProAmp Electric provides safe and trusted installations to the Greater Vancouver. They install electric vehicle chargers in Coquitlam Tri-Citites, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, and Surrey and also in Langley. Call ProAmp Electric today for a consultation to see if installing an electric car charger would make sense for your home.
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